Program/Department: Supported Employment

Reports to: Supported Employment Director

*Summary:  *

This Employment Specialist (ES) will work with the job seeker referred to us by DSPD, Vocational Rehabilitation, or private pay. Upon the client receiving a competitive integrated job in the community, The Employment Specialist will gain an understanding of the complexities and/or tasks of the position our job seeker has obtained, including working with the client for several shifts at the very beginning of employment, including attending all orientation and onboarding meetings. Having support fade over the next weeks and months will occur as the client becomes more adept and accomplished in their tasks at their place of employment. The ES will design and implement customized, one-on-one job coaching to suit the needs of each person we serve.

This ES will also be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with companies of all types and sizes and developing ways to promote, encourage, and accommodate job seekers with disabilities as a part of their workforce. The ES will build the natural supports needed as job coaching services fade out. 

As a Supported Living Specialist, they will assess, plan, implement, monitor and evaluate actions required to meet the health and human services needs of individuals with disabilities living independently throughout Salt Lake County.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Employment Specialist:

• Effectively present the mission and purposes of the Columbus Community Center and its many programs, while highlighting the services of the Supported Employment department, to elicit interest and participation.
• Conduct site analyses of varied business types and develop a business profile including, but not limited to; unmet needs, work area observations, corporate culture analysis, and workplace expectations.
• Effectively manage the ongoing relationships with business partners; Develop and complete onsite job analysis prior to the onset of the job/internship; Identify and cultivate natural supports within individual job sites; Inform the Supported Employment team on trends, needs, and expectations of participating businesses.
• Participate in department planning meetings to ensure the needs of individual job seekers are met.
• Facilitate the candidacy of each job seeker by presenting skills, talents, and positive attributes to potential Business Partners.

·         Provide the service of a Work Strategy Assessment to observe and define the job seekers talents, skills, barriers, and interests.

·         Help the job seeker create a resume, perform mock interviews, assist with applying for jobs, attend interviews with the job seeker, help them complete paperwork, and attend any orientations, if an offer of employment is offered and accepted.

·         Provide one-on-one job coaching with the client in their place of employment for the time agreed upon by DSPD or Vocational Rehabilitation.

·         Build the natural supports needed as job coaching services fade out. 

·         Completing and delivering all applicable information for monthly billing cycles, including a written report on each client and their progress/challenges, with a high degree of professionalism.  

Supported Living Specialist:

• Support and teach individuals living independently in the community daily living skills, including menu planning, grocery shopping, budgeting finances, recreational activities, and household chores.
• Accompany ind ividuals on routine errands; provide assistance as needed in accomplishing tasks.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers and attend medical appointments with individuals receiving services, advocate for overall health and well-being needs as needed.
• Attend and participate in PCSP meetings and write support strategies.  Monitor documentation of supports and assess PCSP progress. Plan and implement activities as cheduled on the PCSP.
• Advocate for individuals to ensure they receive financial subsidies for which they may be eligible.
• Coordinate and provide care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, and client-centered.

·         Transport individuals on an as needed basis in a personal vehicle or CCC vehicle when available.

• Establish a working relationship with other agencies and primary support systems. 

• Document in accordance with policies and procedures, and all pertinent laws and regulations

   

Education/Experience/Certifications/Licensure:

·         Bachelor's degree is highly preferred with a focus in Social Work, Special Education, or a related field.

·         At least two year of experience working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities in a vocational, residential, or employment program is highly preferred.

·         Must be at least 18 years old

·         Must have a valid driver's license, auto insurance and be able to drive from location to location throughout shift.

·         Must pass an initial criminal background and then annually thereafter

·         Must have successfully completed ACRE certification within 6 months of hire, as well as complete all training requirements associated with this position annually thereafter

Required Skill/Abilities:

·         Excellent verbal and communication skills

·         Excellent interpersonal skills

• Be able to work as a part of a team, cooperate, and collaborate with others

·         Be able to drive a vehicle

·         Basic computer and software skills

Physical Demands:

·         Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or in a car and working on a computer.

·         Life up to 25 lbs.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Columbus will follow all requirements as needed to meet all federal contract requirements and is an equal-opportunity employer